We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Returning Diamond Ring to Blue Nile; Looking for Better Options on James Allen

By Mike Fried,

I think one of the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life was to visit your website after I have purchased an engagement ring from bluenile.

I bought a 0.9carat GIA excellent, J color, SI2 round brilliance with a setting. The diamond alone cost about US$3100. The link is here:
Blue Nile LD02692689

I chanced upon your website and after reading your review of bluenile, I was worried and immediately emailed bluenile customer support for a picture of the diamond. They said they were unable to provide me with one. Then I requested for a detailed description of the diamond and they said “I’m pleased to let you know that the diamond is eye clean” and “This particular stone, only upon scrutiny of closer than 6 inches (10 cm), and more intent inspection than what would be “eye clean” attention, were they even able to find inconspicuous white reflective inclusions, which is a positive thing.”

Turns out, when the ring came, I was utterly disappointed. There is a huge visible white mark on the diamond close to one of the prongs. Hoping that it might be a stain, I used the cloth provided in the package to gently wipe it but it would not come off. It looked like either a huge scratch or an extremely huge inclusion. The diamond is definitely not eye clean at all. The mark is so obvious that it could be seen from 20cm away.

In fact, I am still looking at this ring now while I am writing to you. This ring is definitely going back to bluenile. It is my fault for not researching further before committing to the purchase.

Thus, I really need your help and expertise to find an eye clean diamond at about 0.9carat or better. My budget is about US$3000 for the diamond. If I can’t find a replacement ring in due time, I would have to push back my proposal plans which will cost me quite a fortune.

Sorry for the long story but I am writing to you now with a heavy heart. Thank you in advance for your help. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Take it easy – just be happy that there’s one good thing that BN does: returns. 🙂

Tell me, what kind of setting are you looking to put this into?

Thanks for your reply.

I actually chose a simple 6 prong 14k white gold setting initially. Nothing fancy =)

As of now, this is the largest stone I could find that I could still comfortably recommend within your budget: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1515254.asp

THere were a couple of 90 point J SIs, but I really didn’t love them.

Wow the stone looks beautiful indeed. I might actually go for it.

Any ideas as to how often James Allen restock on their diamonds? I tried the website and it does not have a large selection to choose from.

Do you know if James Allen has any discount coupons or something like that?

Their inventory has a pretty high turnover. So if you’re not in a hurry, maybe wait a week.

Unfortunately, no coupon codes.

I just placed an order for the diamond with a setting. The jamesallen staff have been very helpful indeed. Thank you once again for your help!

Great! Please let me know what you think when it arrives!

The packaging is excellent! Way better than Blue Nile’s. And the ring looks simply perfect. Wish me luck with the proposal. 😉

Such amazing news! I’m so happy for you!

Do you think you could do us a small favor if you have the time? If you could, we would REALLY appreciate it if you could leave us a short review on ivouch. Here’s a direct link if you would to:

xxxxxxx

Thanks! And Congrats!

Done! I vouched for you. Cheers!

[LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online.
What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free International Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
  • Free ring inscriptions
  • Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Best-in-class packaging
Arrow down
Arrow up
Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
  • One free resizing within the first year of purchase
  • High quality images of about half of their diamonds
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.